Recent Stories

Urban dwellers encounter constant amounts of garbage each and every day, and while recycling and cleaning solutions have been effective there’s still a need for constant trash collection. Introducing the Scarab Robot Harvester concept by innovator and designer Olga Kalugina that’s looking to clean the streets and mall areas automatically.

Hot it works. The Robot is equipped with web cameras and advanced wheel drive gears that allow it to scope out and harvest the garbage. As the Robot finds debris it both gathers and cleans as it moves along its selected route. The garbage is then stored automatically and disposed of once the trash receptor is full. Recharging the Robot is done automatically as well so it can stay on track sustainably.

Izhar Gafni has engineered a cardboard bicycle called the Alfa from mostly cardboard and 100% recycled materials. The Alfa weighs 20lbs, but can sustain the weight of 485lbs, well hey now that’s a heck of a deal (said in Tommy Boy-Chris Farley voice). The cost is astonishing as well with each unit ranging from $9 – $12 and a mere $5 for children’s bikes. The pedal system is relatively maintenance free due to the unique belt-driven system Gafni created.

Gafni was initially told that his design goals were impossible. This didn’t deter his drive and after 3 years of design, numerous patents and focused determination he proved the naysayers wrong, BAM. This just goes to show that we have not hit the ceiling on innovation; if it can be imagined, it can be created. Gafni is currently working on raising funds to put the Alfa into production, so keep your sights on this project and get your hands on one as soon as they hit the streets.

Manufacturing standardization in general has taken a step away from sustainability and fair trade initiatives, BUT a U.S. based brand has a surfaced with an UNCOMMON way of doing business. UncommonGoods’ specializes in unique gifts and creative finds with an emphasis on sustainability, quality customer service, and online retailing innovation.

Recieving their B-Corporation certification in June of 2012 – you can see on paper that UncommonGoods is committed to doing good through their operations. Their intuitive interface gives consumers the ability to interact with a quality online brand that offers a variety of products that are creatively designed, high quality, and affordable.

In the video above, The Stump Collection is reviewed. From the ideas to how the product is manufactured – you’ll see and feel the inspiration that UncommonGoods strives to find in each of its manufacturers. They’ve also launched a program called “Better to Give”, where customers can give UncommonGoods the opportunity to contribute to a non-profit organization each a customer shops with them.

The most manly of months is nearly upon us. November 1st will mark the day that men around the globe will have but one duty, the manliest of duties, and that being, the growing of a legendary MUSTACHE. (cue guitar wailing in the background)

Not only does the sprouting of glorious upper lip whiskers display manliness, but the Movember organization has created a lasting platform for raising awareness and funds for prostate and testicular cancer, among other men’s health issues. Throughout the month, the gallant men (a.k.a Mo Bros) will promote the cause by encouraging private and public conversation around these issues. By way of support from the women in their lives (a.k.a Mo Sistas), the Mo Bros will raise funds through sponsorship for their brave and heroic upper lip growth throughout the entire month of November.

The month will be capped off by magnificent soiree’s celebrating the noble efforts of all participating men and the donations the month accumulated. These gatherings are either personal parties with close friends or the legendary Movember Gala Partés held around the globe.

This cause has real effects with over $120 million dollars raised in 2011 alone. The dollars go directly towards the strategic initiatives outlined by the identified programs for prostate and testicular cancer.

Log on to Movember on the 1st to help support, praise, congratulate and admire the cookie duster best friends that will grow throughout the month.

The Vanity Project (TVP) uses this multi-layered question as the underpin for their clothing design. They directly collaborate with non-profit organizations to produce clothing based on the social and societal causes these organizations represent. TVP provides the platform of support to elevate the awareness for the issue and 51% of each sale goes back to the organization featured.

TVP began in Chicago and has since morphed into a holistic outreach system encompassing several areas of focus: Education & Youth Development, Hunger and Poverty, Disease Support, Social Equality, and Environmental. This is greater than just a clothing company, but a chance to choose and represent the causes you are truly passionate about.

Check out their stylish designs HERE and if you don’t see a cause you care about, contact them and a start a collaboration today.

Give H2O through your water consumption habits with People Water. People Water isn’t a charity nor is it a non-profit organization but a cause based for-profit organization who is committed to alleviating the global water crisis.

Their Drop For Drop commitment looks to develop or restore sustainable water sources in areas of need. In looking at the simple idea of making it easier to help people, People Water has developed a way for people to do good through each sip of water they consume.

For an alternative/eco-friendly way to consume water and give back to those in need check out People Water at www.peoplewater.com.

Arbor Collective crafts their products from alternative materials with application, functionality, and the environment in mind. The company was established in Venice in 1995 and immediately took responsibility for creating a better tomorrow for shredders everywhere. They bolster a collective of riders, artists, environmentalists and entrepreneurs that share the same mindset of a greener planet. Besides taking advantage of sustainable clothing creation initiatives, they also donate at least 5% of profits to different organizations annually, print on recycled paper, recycle ALL office waste, use soy-based inks and regulate carbon emissions.

Marine Layer has taken the concept of “the perfect shirt” and made it a reality. Their clothing is made right here in the USA (USA chants echoing in the distance) from a combination of Pima Cotton and MicroModal. The Modal fabric is produced by Lenizg AG whom uses materials that are 95% recycled and reused from Beech Wood.

The company was started in a small San Francisco apartment and has grown into two local stores in the SF area. We made a stop in their Hayes Valley shop recently and burst out laughing after reading the bag that my purchase came in (see quote below). This group of innovators has a knack for witty storytelling and a real passion for creating clothing that fits perfectly.

“This bag was made from recycled children. No that’s wrong. Shit. This recycled bag was sustainably made children. No. Damnit. This recycled bas was made by adults and designed by adults (who act like children). Got it.” – Marine Layer Team

Wood wear curator, Proof, brings you a collection of sustainable eye ware, clothing, and accessory products that are REAL schaweet and eco-friendly.

From their first pair of glasses to the more recently offered wood wallet, Proof has been continuously innovating to bring customers more eco-friendly products. Their most recent wallet product was made possible by 768 Kickstartbackers raising over $30,000 to get the product off the ground. The simple design is crafted from 100% eco-friendly materials and follows the UNIQUE mantra that Proof has come to follow. Proof creates with a love for product design and a love for the environment. No project is too small for these innovators, they are just looking to get involved and aid a HELPing hand whenever possible.

Proof actively supports a number of “Do Good” initiatives including the support of eye clinics in India, the first recycling program for sunglasses, and planting trees in addition to their sustainably sourced materials.

Check out Proof’s Collection where you’ll find great products all curated in the most sustainable fashion. ENJOY.

Wood wear curator, Proof, brings you a collection of sustainable eye ware, clothing, and accessory products that are REAL schaweet and eco-friendly.

From their first pair of glasses to the more recently offered wood wallet, Proof has been continuously innovating to bring customers more eco-friendly products. Their most recent wallet product was made possible by 768 Kickstartbackers raising over $30,000 to get the product off the ground. The simple design is crafted from 100% eco-friendly materials and follows the UNIQUE mantra that Proof has come to follow. Proof creates with a love for product design and a love for the environment. No project is too small for these innovators, they are just looking to get involved and aid a HELPing hand whenever possible.

Proof actively supports a number of “Do Good” initiatives including the support of eye clinics in India, the first recycling program for sunglasses, and planting trees in addition to their sustainably sourced materials.

Check out Proof’s Collection where you’ll find great products all curated in the most sustainable fashion. ENJOY.